The SEC accused DCG and Genesis of defrauding investors through misrepresentation, resulting in penalties and legal action. DCG agreed to settle the charges by paying a $38 million fine.

SEC Reveals Accounting Tricks Behind DCG’s ‘Strong’ Balance Sheet Claims

On January 17, the SEC ordered DCG to pay a $38 million civil penalty and issued a cease-and-desist order to prevent future misconduct.

The charges extend to DCG and its former CEO, Soichiro “Michael” Moro, who allegedly misled investors about the financial health of Genesis following the collapse of one of its largest borrowers, Three Arrows Capital (3AC), in mid-2022.

Moro, who served as CEO of Genesis during this period, was accused of approving misleading public statements and tweets that downplayed financial risks.

According to the SEC, Moro authorized posts claiming that Genesis had “shed the risk” associated with 3AC’s default and maintained a “strong” balance sheet, despite the company’s precarious position.

Additionally, Moro signed a $1.1 billion promissory note on behalf of Genesis, which the SEC described as perpetuating a false narrative about the company’s financial health.

As part of the enforcement action, Moro was fined $500,000 and barred from engaging in any negligent conduct that could mislead investors.

The SEC indicated that its findings against Moro could support ongoing investor lawsuits and regulatory actions.

The SEC also revealed that DCG executives were aware of over $1 billion in losses at Genesis but sought to portray financial stability.

DCG issued a $1.1 billion promissory note to Genesis, described by the SEC as an “accounting asset” with no tangible capital transfer.

These actions, coupled with undisclosed terms of the note, misled investors about the company’s true financial state.

By June 30, 2022, Genesis reported positive equity, but the company’s financial pressures continued to mount.

By November 2022, it suspended withdrawals, affecting customers of Gemini Earn and locking up $900 million in user assets.

Genesis and DCG Struggle with Fallout from 2022 Collapse

The financial troubles of Genesis began with the collapse of 3AC, which triggered liquidity issues, and worsened with the implosion of FTX later that year.

In January 2023, Genesis filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, disclosing over $3.5 billion in debts to its top 50 creditors, including major names like Gemini and VanEck.

Genesis’ parent company, DCG, borrowed $500 million across four loans in 2022. However, by May 2023, DCG had failed to repay $620 million, including 4,550 Bitcoin, prompting Genesis to file a lawsuit seeking full repayment plus fees.

In November 2023, DCG reached a settlement to repay the loans by April 2024, offering Genesis some relief in its bankruptcy proceedings.

By February 2024, Genesis and Gemini had reached a settlement to distribute $1.8 billion to users of Gemini Earn, pending court approval.

By May 2024, Genesis had distributed $2.18 billion worth of cryptocurrency to approximately 232,000 users, advancing its bankruptcy process.

Meanwhile, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) is pursuing penalties and corrective measures against Gemini Trust, with its trial now set for January 21, 2025.

This legal battle adds to the ongoing scrutiny faced by companies tied to DCG and Genesis.

The post SEC Charges DCG and Genesis, Fines $38M for Misleading Investors appeared first on Cryptonews.

Wyoming Senator Cynthia Lummis, one of the first to highlight the proposal, emphasized its potential benefits to the state’s financial strategy.

“This forward-thinking approach will benefit our state as we lead the nation in financial innovation,” Lummis remarked.

Wyoming’s Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Proposal: Will It Inspire Others?

As states explore the potential of integrating Bitcoin into public financial strategies, Wyoming’s latest proposal sets a precedent that could influence others, including Massachusetts.

According to Wasserburger, the bill’s sponsor, the proposal aligns with Wyoming’s history of pioneering firsts.

“Wyoming has always been a pioneer—from women’s suffrage to the first national park; from the invention of the LLC to the frontier of digital assets.,” Wasserburger said.

HB0201 authorizes the state treasurer to invest portions of Wyoming’s general fund, permanent Wyoming mineral trust fund, and permanent land fund in Bitcoin, with investments capped at 3% of these funds to balance potential gains with prudent risk management.

To address security concerns, the bill requires robust custody solutions for Bitcoin holdings, emphasizing the protection of private keys and adherence to strict security standards.

The proposal leverages Wyoming’s comprehensive legislative framework, including the Wyoming Special Purpose Depository Institution (SPDI) model, which has gained widespread recognition in the digital asset space.

Since 2018, Wyoming has established itself as a pioneer in Bitcoin-friendly legislation, passing more than two dozen laws supporting digital assets.

These initiatives include recognizing Bitcoin as property and providing regulatory clarity for blockchain companies, solidifying the state’s reputation as a hub for digital innovation.

Alongside Wyoming, Massachusetts has also proposed a strategic Bitcoin reserve.

State Senator Peter Durant, who filed the bill, expressed enthusiasm about advancing legislation that could shape the state’s financial future.

The Economic Case for a Bitcoin Strategic Reserve

Bitcoin, often referred to as “digital gold,” has demonstrated substantial appreciation and resilience over the past decade.

Its decentralized nature and fixed supply align with principles of fiscal independence and economic stability.

As a result, many institutions, companies, and countries have begun incorporating Bitcoin into their investment portfolios.

Wasserburger emphasized the urgency of adopting such measures, stating, “We can’t afford to sit on the sidelines while other states move forward with their own Bitcoin reserve bills.”

Establishing a Bitcoin reserve could help Wyoming mitigate risks associated with inflation and economic volatility while ensuring long-term financial security for its citizens.

The proposal also aligns with Senator Cynthia Lummis’ advocacy for a United States Strategic Bitcoin Reserve.

Lummis’ 2024 draft of the Bitcoin Act, which proposed creating a federal Bitcoin reserve to reinforce America’s financial standing, has laid the groundwork for current legislative efforts.

Elsewhere, momentum for Bitcoin reserves continues to grow. On January 16, Texas Senator Charles Schwertner filed Senate Bill 778 (SB 778) to establish a strategic Bitcoin reserve.

Internationally, the Czech Republic’s central bank is also exploring Bitcoin as a reserve asset, as governments and institutions continue to evaluate the digital asset’s potential.

The post Wyoming and Massachusetts Propose Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Legislation appeared first on Cryptonews.

This represents a substantial increase from the current 330 million common shares and 5 million preferred shares.

MicroStrategy’s Share Structure Expansion

The proposal will be presented to shareholders for a vote at the upcoming annual general meeting.

Upon approval, the company would have the ability to issue additional shares without seeking further shareholder authorization.

This amendment would provide the company with flexibility for future issuances without immediate plans to issue new shares.

The expanded share structure could be utilized for various purposes, such as raising capital, facilitating mergers, or enabling acquisitions.

Despite this flexibility, the SEC filing emphasized that the company has not disclosed any specific plans for issuing shares at this time.

By proposing these changes, MicroStrategy seeks to enhance its financial flexibility and prepare for future opportunities.

While the share expansion emphasizes MicroStrategy’s growth strategy, its partnership with STACKIT signals a broader push toward regional compliance and innovation.

Partnership with STACKIT to Enhance Data Sovereignty in Europe

MicroStrategy has announced a partnership with STACKIT, the cloud services division of the Schwarz Group, to launch the MicroStrategy Sovereign European Cloud.

The platform intends to serve highly regulated European businesses by providing secure, compliant access to MicroStrategy’s AI and business intelligence solutions.

The new cloud offering ensures strict adherence to EU data sovereignty requirements, with customer data hosted within Germany and Austria.

The platform integrates MicroStrategy ONE’s AI capabilities, allowing businesses to build AI-driven applications and access analytics through natural language queries.

MicroStrategy’s CEO, Phong Le, emphasized the platform’s focus on delivering value to customers while maintaining compliance with European regulations.

“MicroStrategy ONE on STACKIT secures data sovereignty by providing a protected framework for customer data, which also enables our joint European customers to future-proof their investment in MicroStrategy,” said STACKIT CEO Bernie Wagner.

The post MicroStrategy Proposes Massive Increase in Authorized Shares to 10.33 Billion appeared first on Cryptonews.

According to the company’s press release shared with CryptoNews, this license, granted on Jan. 17 by Germany’s Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin), supports the firm’s goal of becoming a leading regulated infrastructure provider for banks, brokers, and asset managers.

“On this basis, we will further expand the offering of Boerse Stuttgart Digital with integrated solutions for financial institutions across Europe and thus consistently continue the internationalization and structural growth of our digital business,” said Matthias Voelkel, CEO of the Boerse Stuttgart Group.

Boerse Stuttgart Sees Explosive Growth in Crypto Trading Revenue

Boerse Stuttgart experienced a significant surge in revenue from its cryptocurrency services in 2024.

According to a Jan. 15 report by the financial newspaper Barron’s, citing AFP, Boerse Stuttgart’s crypto trading volumes tripled last year, contributing a substantial 25% to the company’s overall revenue. By the end of 2024, the exchange was holding €4.3 billion (around $4.4 billion) in crypto assets for its clients.

Bitcoin (BTC) remained the most traded cryptocurrency at Boerse Stuttgart Digital in 2024, accounting for roughly 50% of all crypto transactions on the platform.

MiCA Impacts the Stablecoin Market

The approval comes shortly after the implementation of the MiCA regulation on Dec. 30, 2024, which is the world’s first comprehensive regulatory framework for the crypto industry.

MiCA sets clear requirements for the registration and supervision of providers, promotes investor protection, and creates transparency. At the same time, it facilitates companies’ access to a harmonized European crypto market by replacing different national regulations.

MiCA has already led to a significant shake-up in the stablecoins sector.

Coinbase, a major US crypto exchange, delisted Tether (USDT) in mid-December due to compliance concerns with the EU’s MiCA regulations.

Despite Coinbase’s action, USDT continues to be traded on many exchanges within the EU, which are likely awaiting further guidance from European authorities on USDT’s compliance with the new regulation.

Why Europe’s MiCA Raises the Barrier to Entry for Stablecoin Issuers

The Markets in Crypto Assets Regulation (MiCA), due to take effect this year, is the European Union’s comprehensive crypto law. #CryptoNews #EUhttps://t.co/NFgLsQQ7DU

— Cryptonews.com (@cryptonews) February 8, 2024

Will MiCA Stifle Innovation?

While MiCA is a significant step towards a harmonized European crypto market, concerns about regulatory overreach for retail investors persist,” Marina Markezic, co-founder of the European Crypto Initiative (EUCI), told CryptoNews in an interview.

“There is quite a lot of confusion,” she added, “especially considering the 27 member states that make up this trading bloc might interpret the regulations differently.”

Markezic highlighted potential challenges, including ambiguity regarding the scope of the regulation, particularly for decentralized finance (DeFi) and non-fungible tokens (NFTs). This uncertainty and increased scrutiny, according to Markezic, “could also lead to reduced innovation, as smaller projects and newer initiatives may struggle to meet these demands.”

Furthermore, Markezic anticipates a wave of mergers and acquisitions as the industry adapts to the new regulatory landscape.

“MiCA will accelerate the institutionalization and consolidation of the EU crypto market,” she said, “and spur a flurry of mergers and acquisitions between traditional finance and crypto-native firms, with some companies or specific products even “fading out.”

The post Boerse Stuttgart Becomes First German Crypto Provider to Receive MiCA License appeared first on Cryptonews.

Facing off against five rivals, he railed against the government’s handling of the Freedom Convoy movement, which saw the country’s Emergencies Act used to freeze the bank accounts of protesters.

“Now there’s a proposal to create a central bank digital currency, which would involve people depositing their money with the government itself. This gives massive new powers for surveillance, control and censorship — and gives the state far too much control over our money. That’s why I would ban a CBDC.”

His comments were immediately seized upon by opponent Leslyn Lewis, who seemed bemused by Poilievre’s stance.

“Mr Poilievre encouraged people to buy Bitcoin, which is a digital currency. So I’m quite surprised he is saying now that he would ban digital currency, as if he does not know that Bitcoin is a digital currency. He also encouraged people to cash in their fiat currency to buy Bitcoin. If they had done that, they would have lost $37,000 between then and today.”

This was a massive gift for the young politician — an open goal — that exposed widespread misunderstanding about what BTC actually was. To a handful of titters, whoops and cheers in the audience, he replied:

“Well that’s just false. One, Bitcoin is not a central bank digital currency, obviously. It’s not controlled by any central bank anywhere in the world. Two, people can make their own investment decisions. I’ve simply said they should be free to decide whether or not they want to use Bitcoin. I don’t want to be like Communist China and ban Bitcoin or other technologies.”

Ahead of the Curve?

Let’s rewind the tape a little bit.

Back in March 2022, Poilievre was filmed purchasing a chicken shawarma from a Middle Eastern restaurant using Bitcoin — becoming the first-ever person at this business to do so. As he completed the transaction in front of a crowd, he urged voters to “take control of their money.”

This amounted to pretty bad timing for the leadership hopeful. As the crypto market was rocked by a slew of bankruptcies, BTC’s price fell off a cliff. By the time of the TV debate six weeks later, it had plunged 38%.

Poilievre also attracted criticism from politicians in rival parties, who accused him of shilling a “Ponzi scheme” and causing seniors across Canada to lose a substantial amount of their life savings.

But a lot has changed over the past three years.

The Bank of Canada has announced that it’s “shelved” plans to launch a CBDC for now — with its development put on ice.

Anyone who bought Bitcoin on the day Poilievre shelled out for a chicken shawarma would have doubled their money — and then some.

That’s not all. He also ended up winning that Conservative leadership battle pretty comfortably, with 70.7% of the vote, making him the only candidate to surge to victory in the first ballot for almost 20 years.

And now, as we head into 2025, there’s a very real chance that Poilievre could become Canada’s next prime minister.

A Changing Political Climate

After nine years at the helm, Justin Trudeau dramatically announced he was planning to step down as PM earlier this month — meaning someone else will lead the Liberal Party into a general election that must take place in 2025.

He had faced growing internal political turmoil, and was accused of inaction as Donald Trump threatens to slap a 25% tariff on goods imported into the U.S. from Canada.

A cost-of-living crisis has seen his government’s standing in opinion polls fall sharply, with the Conservatives’ popularity rising. Voters participating in these surveys widely believe Poilievre is best-placed to deal with a more combative Trump administration.

And while in opposition, Poilievre has railed against surging inflation, accused the Bank of Canada of exacerbating the problem through quantitative easing, and vowed to put more money in voters’ pockets. He has previously cited an oft-repeated claim that BTC serves as a hedge against inflation — remarks that led to a backlash in the press.

Another Pro-Bitcoin Politician?

In many ways, Poilievre has been ahead of the curve when it comes to embracing Bitcoin — vocally expressing his support for crypto before it was politically fashionable.

But given Trump campaigned aggressively on this issue, he wouldn’t be the first Bitcoin-friendly politician to enter office.

Questions are also being raised about whether Poilievre would actually unveil his own pro-crypto policies on the campaign trail — amid fears it could deter more voters than it attracts.

Nonetheless, prominent Bitcoiners have thrown their support behind the Conservative — and over on Polymarket, the latest odds suggest Poilievre has an 86% chance of sweeping to power.

Canada has often been a first mover when it comes to Bitcoin — launching ETFs based on its spot price a full three years before the U.S.

A proposal to transform Vancouver into a “Bitcoin-friendly city” was also recently approved, which could eventually lead to crypto being accepted as a payment method — and BTC held in reserve by public offices.

Poilievre is not without controversy. He’s been likened to a Canadian version of Trump — espousing conspiracy theories and pledging to defund the country’s public broadcaster. But such comparisons might be a little far-fetched, and he’s gone on the record of being in favor of immigration for those who “work hard, contribute [and] follow the rules.”

There’s no escaping it: 2025 is the year when Bitcoin is set to become a wider issue on the political stage. While not guaranteed, a Poilievre win would reinforce that narrative.

The post Who is Pierre Poilievre? The Bitcoiner Who Could Be Canada’s Next Leader appeared first on Cryptonews.

Publicly traded Canadian Solana infrastructure investor and holding company Sol Strategies (CSE:HODL OTCMKTS:CYFRF) has announced the launch of its new Solana mobile staking application from OrangeFin Ventures.

Sol Strategies completed the acquisition of Solana validator OrangeFin Ventures at the end of December 2025.

OrangeFin Ventures is a trusted provider of non-custodial staking solutions, making a name for itself because of exceptional performance and security.

The innovative app, now available on the Solana dApp Store, is the first non-custodial staking solution that allows investors to stake Solana (SOL) directly from their phones, delivering a streamlined and intuitive experience.

The mobile app will enable its users to access staking rewards of between 8-10% APY, in a move that revolutionizes mobile staking for Solana.

On January 9 the firm announced a CAD $27.5 million private placement financing with ParaFi Capital, which will be used to increase Sol Strategies’ SOL tokens treasury holdings.

Sol Strategies stock was up 27% on the news yesterday (Thursday 16 January) at CAD $4.66. According to sources, Sol Strategies is highly profitable.

Sol Strategies CEO Leah Wald on the revolutionary SOL staking app: “simple, secure and high-yield”

“This app will allow Solana investors the ability to get the most out of their Solana investment with a simple, secure, and high-yield staking solution,” said Leah Wald, CEO of Sol Strategies.

“As our first major technology initiative, this launch represents a pivotal step in our journey investing in and fostering innovation, enabling us to build cutting-edge solutions within the blockchain infrastructure.”

Well connected on Wall Street, Wald is co-founder of Valkyrie Investments and its former CEO.

Key features include:

• Non-Custodial Model: Investors retain full control of their keys, enhancing security and ownership of their assets.
• Higher Staking Returns: Investors can expect returns ranging from 8% to 10%, significantly surpassing traditional custodial platforms.
• Compliance and Security: Orangefin, an ISO 27001-compliant validator, upholds the highest standards of security and reliability.

“Orangefin has been dedicated to building top-tier validator technology for the Solana community,” said Max Kaplan, Founder of OrangeFin and Head of Staking at Sol Strategies.

“With the resources and strategic expertise from Sol Strategies, we’ve elevated everything we’ve built to new heights. This marks another step forward in our mission to deliver even greater value and performance to the Solana ecosystem.”

Available now on Solana dApp Store and coming to Google Play and Apple App Store

The app is available now on the Solana dApp Store and is expected to launch on Google Play and the Apple App Store later this year.

This latest news follows Sol Strategies’ steady stream of validator acquisitions over the past six months, as the company seeks to become a major player in the Solana staking ecosystem.

The fast-growing firm now stakes 1,505,145 SOL (CAD $440,249,107) across all of its validator operations, of which it directly owns 142,801 SOL.

Sol Strategies has taken a leaf out of the MicroStrategy cryptocurrency acquirer playbook, but with the important difference that it provides its shareholders with exposure to income generated from its Solana staking activities. MicroStrategy was recently admitted to the Nasdaq 100.

Meanwhile, Sol Strategies has applied to be listed on the Nasdaq, which is expected to unlock a torrent of liquidity into the stock. The company’s primary listing is on the Canadian Securities Exchange where it trades under the HODL ticker. The stock is also available in the US its OTC secondary listing (OTC Pink: CYFRF).

The post Sol Strategies Stock Price Blasts 27% Higher After Launch of Solana Mobile Staking App appeared first on Cryptonews.

“I see no reason for the US to have a central bank digital currency. In my mind, a central bank digital currency is for countries who have no other investment alternatives,” Bessent said.

He explained that a digital currency is more practical for countries that commonly hold foreign currencies like the Chinese yuan.

“If you hold US dollars, you can hold a variety of very secure US assets,” he added.

US Has Been Exploring Digital Dollar to Maintain Global Currency Leadership

The US Treasury began exploring the concept of a digital dollar in the early 2020s. By 2022, its efforts gained momentum. Cryptocurrencies and foreign digital currencies, especially China’s digital yuan, sparked this interest by challenging the US dollar’s global dominance.

In March 2022, President Joe Biden issued an executive order. He directed agencies to evaluate digital assets. The order also urged them to consider the possibility of a US central bank digital currency (CBDC).

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, under Biden, had stressed the need to advance policy and technical work on a CBDC, highlighting its importance for national interests as China makes major strides in this area.

Scott Bessent Calls Crypto ‘Freedom’ as Trump Pushes National Crypto Policy Agenda

In November, Trump selected Scott Bessent, a prominent hedge fund manager and vocal crypto advocate, as his nominee for Treasury Secretary. Should the Senate approve his nomination, Bessent is seen as someone who will introduce a pro-crypto stance into a pivotal economic position.

During a July interview on Fox Business, Bessent praised Trump’s support for cryptocurrency, linking it to Republican Party values. “Crypto is about freedom, and the crypto economy is here to stay,” he stated, highlighting how it draws in young and marginalized individuals to the financial sector.

Separately, Bloomberg reported Friday that Trump plans to issue an executive order to make crypto a national policy priority. He is also weighing the idea of creating a federal Bitcoin reserve.

The post Trump’s Treasury Pick Scott Bessent Rejects Need for a US Digital Dollar appeared first on Cryptonews.

According to Eric Balchunas and James Seyffart, two ETF analysts at Bloomberg Intelligence, the regulator might be engaging with Litecoin (LTE) exchange-traded fund (ETF) filing.

“Canary Funds just filed an amended S-1 for their Litecoin ETF filing,” Seyffart wrote on X. “No guarantees — but this might be indicative of SEC engagement on the filing.”

This week, Nasdaq and crypto investment firm Canary Capital Group submitted new filings with the SEC. This means that the regulator is forced to approve or reject the crypto products this year.

“Litecoin ETF now has all the boxes checked,” Balchunas noted. He added that there are chances that the first altcoin ETF of 2025 “is about to be on the clock.”

If approved, the move signals a potential expansion of the crypto ETF landscape beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum.

Further, S-1 registration statement noted that the proposed ETF would hold actual Litecoin rather than futures contracts. Coinbase Custody Trust Company and BitGo Trust Company would serve as custodians, it added.

Litecoin Rallies Over 18% in 24 Hours

According to CoinMarketCap data, the altcoin has shown a strong performance in the past day and the week. The token’s trading volume jumped by over 250% in the past day alone.

The surging gains were the result of excitement over the ETF filings. The speculation has sparked significant buying from both institutional and retail investors.

At the time of writing, Litecoin traded at $136, up 18% in the past day. Additionally, the token’s trading volumes have soared more than 250% to $1.83 billion.

Besides, on-chain data from Santiment indicates that large investors – whales and sharks – have been actively accumulating Litecoin.

“Just as we saw in early December, the key driver appears to be whales and sharks holding at least 10K+ $LTC.”

These whales have added 250,000 coins to their holdings since Jan 9, Santiment added.

The post Litecoin Positioned to Become Third US Spot Crypto ETF: Report appeared first on Cryptonews.

Sources noted that the order would elevate cryptos as a national imperative from the first day of Trump’s tenure. This would give industry insiders a voice within Trump’s administration.

Further, the order intends to create a crypto advisory council to support crypto policy priorities.

Early this month, Trump’s administration noted that it is still searching to appoint around 24 CEOs and founders to his proposed crypto advisory council. In December, Trump appointed Bo Hines, a former congressional candidate from North Carolina, to head the newly established Crypto Council.

There are discussions that a directive for all government agencies to review crypto policies might be included in the order. Additionally, the order would prioritize halting legal actions against crypto companies, such as Binance.

The executive order is expected to arrive as soon as Monday. However, sources noted that it is not final and could change before it is made public.

Trump’s Bitcoin Stockpile Plan

During the Bitcoin 2024 Nashville conference in July 2024, Trump stressed hanging on to the country’s bitcoin holdings would create “a permanent national asset to benefit all Americans.”

Per crypto tracking firm Arkham Intelligence, the US already owns $20 billion worth of Bitcoin obtained through legal seizures. Trump already expressed interest in halting the future sales of Bitcoins to create a “core” stockpile.

“For too long, our government has violated the cardinal rule that every Bitcoiner knows by heart: Never sell your Bitcoin,“ Trump said in July.

In the same week that Trump pledged to create a national stockpile, Wyoming Senator Cynthia Lummis unveiled a bill, the BITCOIN Act, calling the nation to buy one million Bitcoins over five years.

If a government Bitcoin stockpile is introduced, it could increase the price of the largest crypto. However, such a reserve also means fewer tokens for crypto investors to trade with, leaving them exposed if the government ever sold part of its reserves.

The post Trump Set to Issue Pro-Crypto Executive Orders, Including National Bitcoin Stockpile: Report appeared first on Cryptonews.

Police in Jeju Dongbu Police Station, in the self-governing Jeju Island Province, said the woman was aged “in her 40s,” the media outlet Newsis reported on January 16.

South Korean Woman ‘Fled After Stealing Crypto’

A Jeju police spokesperson said the unnamed woman may be guilty of “fraud and theft.” Officers think that she may have violated the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Economic Crimes.

Police think the woman stole a cell phone from the “victim” (named as B in media outlets) at the latter’s home in Jeju City at 11:50pm on January 7.

Officers think the woman learned B’s personal information “in advance.” She then allegedly used this “to unlock the cell phone.”

The woman then allegedly sold around 700 million won ($481,000) worth of crypto for cash, presumably using crypto exchange and banking apps on B’s phone.

She then reportedly transferred the fiat to her own bank accounts.

Police think the woman fled shortly after. Officers claimed she “boarded an airplane” bound for another part of South Korea “on the morning of January 8.”

However, after B reported the “theft” to the police, officers were quick to act. Police traced the suspect’s whereabouts to a hotel in Gumi, North Gyeongsang Province, on the same day.

Officers confirmed they had arrested the woman “on an emergency basis.”

‘Friends’ Met on a Chat App

A spokesperson said the duo had “met on a mobile chat app platform several months ago.” However, officers did not say whether the duo were romantically involved.

The woman is thought to have made at least a partial confession. She reportedly stated during police questioning that she “committed the crime to pay off her debts.”

The police spokesperson said the investigation was still ongoing and that the case had not yet been passed on to the prosecution service.

In December last year, a South Korean court sentenced a bank employee who stole money from his employer to buy crypto to 15 years in jail.

The month prior, a branch of the South Korean high court jailed a “theme park” crypto scammer for 12 years.

The fraudster told his investors he had a permit to build a multimillion-dollar park near the Demilitarized Zone and the border with North Korea.

The post South Korean Woman ‘Stole Friend’s $481k Crypto Stash’ to Pay Off Debt appeared first on Cryptonews.

Per the Russian-language news outlet Business Gazeta, the claims came from Nikolai Dudchenko, an analyst at the financial and media group Finam.

Bitcoin Growth Wave Incoming?

Dudchenko said there was “still a possibility that the price of Bitcoin will rise again” in the near future.

The expert was speaking in the wake of a four-week period that has seen Bitcoin drop from prices over the $108,00 mark down toward the $90,000 threshold.

The token is trading for just over $99,000 at the time of writing. The coin briefly rose to the $102,000 mark on January 9.

“On the matter of further [Bitcoin] price dynamics, we believe that the probability of another wave of growth remains. The only question is this: Will the wave be sparked by a deeper correction in BTC/USD, or will it begin in the very near future?”

Nikolai Dudchenko, analyst at Russian financial/media group Finam

The Trump Factor

Dudchenko added that if a “correction” does take place, this could see the price of Bitcoin drop to $80,000.

But should the price instead rise again in the short term, the expert said that the “nearest target for possible growth” was the $120,000 mark.

Dudchenko suggested that a range of factors could affect Bitcoin prices’ imminent “sharp” growth or fall.

Chief among these, however, will be the imminent inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump on January 20, he said.

A Sensitive Market?

The expert hinted that the markets appear extremely sensitive to “statements” on crypto policy and regulation coming from Washington and the Trump team at Mar-o-Lago.

Dudchenko said that Bitcoin is currently “consolidating in the range of $90,000 to $100,000.”

However, he warned that “volatility” was likely during Trump’s inauguration period, with the market braced for developments.

Dudchenko said that market watchers would be wise to recall that “the reason for the fall in the price of Bitcoin at the end of December 2024” was a speech from the head of the US Federal Reserve System Jerome Powell.

Powell argued against the creation of a national Bitcoin reserve. However, on January 16, the New York Post said that Trump was “receptive” to the idea of building strategic reserves.

Unnamed sources told the media outlet that the president-elect was considering building a reverse basket of Bitcoin and altcoins such as XRP and Solana.

The post Another Wave of Bitcoin Growth ‘Still Likely’ – Russian Analyst appeared first on Cryptonews.

According to the announcement by the bank, this new staking feature is part of PostFinance’s collaboration with Sygnum, a FINMA-regulated digital asset bank.

Ethereum Staking with Minimum 0.1 ETH Deposit

Initially available for Ethereum, the service integrates with the bank’s existing app and e-finance systems, offering customers transparency and ease of access.

PostFinance customers can participate in staking with a minimum deposit of 0.1 ETH, providing a straightforward entry point for users.

The bank emphasized that staking is conducted directly on the Ethereum blockchain, ensuring a high level of transparency and security.

“The ‘staking’ service is completely integrated into PostFinance’s existing services. This means that customers can see their ‘staking rewards’ directly in their asset statement, together with their other crypto assets,” said PostFinance Head of Digital Finance Alexander Thoma.

The staking rewards will be displayed alongside other crypto assets in customers’ asset statements within the bank’s app and e-finance platform. The integration allows users to track their earnings in real-time.

Currently, the staking feature is limited to Ethereum, but PostFinance has indicated plans to expand the service to include other cryptocurrencies in the future. Details about the timeline for these additions have not yet been disclosed.

Proposal to Include Bitcoin in Swiss Constitution

In a related development reflecting Switzerland’s broader engagement with cryptocurrency, Swiss legislator Samuel Kullmann recently initiated a proposal to incorporate Bitcoin into the Swiss constitution.

According to crypto advocate Dennis Porter, the referendum plan requires gathering 100,000 signatures within an 18-month timeframe, after which a public vote on the proposal can take place.

The proposal, which has reached the Swiss federal government review stage, also intends to educate canton-level parliament members about Bitcoin as part of the signature collection process.

Porter emphasized the symbolic significance of the effort, describing it as a way to advance awareness and adoption of Bitcoin.

The post Swiss Bank PostFinance Introduces Ethereum Staking for Passive Income appeared first on Cryptonews.

This offering is part of Coinbase’s effort to expand its services while responding to changes in the crypto regulatory environment.

Coinbase Launches Bitcoin-Backed Loans: Here’s What You Need to Know

According to the announcement, eligible U.S. customers, excluding residents of New York, can now borrow up to $100,000 in USD Coin (USDC) using their Bitcoin (BTC) as collateral. However, only BTC held on Coinbase qualifies for this service.

The process begins with users converting their Bitcoin into cbBTC, a Coinbase-developed wrapped Bitcoin token. This token allows Bitcoin to be used within decentralized finance (DeFi) ecosystems.

Once converted, the cbBTC is deposited into Morpho, an on-chain lending protocol built on Coinbase’s Ethereum layer-2 network, Base.

Users then receive USDC loans, which can be used for various purposes, including paying expenses, conducting global transfers, or converting into U.S. dollars.

Unlike traditional loans, Bitcoin-backed loans do not have fixed repayment schedules. Borrowers can repay at their own pace, provided the loan value remains adequately covered by the Bitcoin collateral.

However, if Bitcoin’s price drops substantially, liquidations may occur to maintain the loan’s security. Any remaining Bitcoin after liquidation is returned to the borrower’s Coinbase account.

While Coinbase provides the interface to access Morpho’s lending protocol, it does not directly manage the loans.

Customers must regularly monitor their loans to prevent collateral liquidation, as Coinbase cannot intervene in this process.

Why Coinbase Pulled the Plug on Crypto Loans in 2023

Coinbase’s decision to discontinue its crypto loan offerings in 2023 marked a notable change in the company’s strategy.

Before the shutdown, users could borrow up to $1 million by using 30% of their Bitcoin holdings as collateral. This service allowed crypto holders to access liquidity without selling their assets.

The program’s closure in November 2023 coincided with increased scrutiny from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

In March 2023, Coinbase received a Wells notice from the SEC, signaling potential enforcement action related to its lending and borrowing services.

The notice outlined concerns about possible securities law violations, pressuring Coinbase to reassess its offerings.

In response, Coinbase publicly criticized the SEC for its lack of clear regulatory guidelines surrounding crypto lending. The company called for more transparent rules to provide legal certainty for crypto firms.

This was not Coinbase’s first encounter with the SEC. The regulatory body had been closely monitoring the exchange’s operations, leading to an ongoing lawsuit alleging securities law violations.

Why Bitcoin-backed Loans are Gaining Traction in 2025

Fast forward to 2025, and Coinbase’s reintroduction of Bitcoin-backed loans reflects its adaptation to a more crypto-friendly regulatory environment

These loans offer an alternative method for holders to access liquidity without selling their assets, which can have potential tax benefits.

The market for Bitcoin-backed loans, valued at $8.5 billion in 2024, is projected to grow to $45 billion by 2030, according to HFT Market Intelligence.

Coinbase’s renewed focus on this offering positions it to cater to the expanding demand within this growing sector.

The post Coinbase Launches Bitcoin-backed Loan Services for U.S. Users appeared first on Cryptonews.

The changes are designed to align with local guidance and meet stringent EU requirements for cryptocurrency transactions.

These updates will primarily affect Polish users of the platform, who will need to provide additional information for certain transactions.

Binance Poland Implements Enhanced KYC Procedures for EU Compliance

To meet EU regulatory obligations, Binance Poland will enforce stricter procedures for users conducting cryptocurrency deposits and withdrawals.

Deposits exceeding €1,000 (or its equivalent in other currencies) will require users to provide detailed information about the sender.

All cryptocurrency withdrawals, regardless of the amount, will require users to provide beneficiary details.

Users depositing funds will be prompted to supply the sender’s full name, country, and, if applicable, the name of the originating crypto exchange.

Those initiating withdrawals will need to furnish the beneficiary’s full name, country, and exchange name (if relevant).

According to Binance’s announcement, this dual-layered verification intends to improve transparency and reduce risks of illicit financial activities such as money laundering and fraud.

If users fail to provide the required information, transactions may be delayed or canceled, with Binance potentially returning the funds to the sender.

To avoid disruptions, Binance has advised its users to adhere to the updated procedures promptly.

Binance Tightens Compliance Measures Amid Regulatory Changes

The updates are not limited to inter-exchange transfers but extend to transactions involving self-hosted wallets as well.

The initiative is part of the EU’s broader initiative to tighten digital asset regulations through MiCA, which became fully effective this year.

These measures may introduce additional steps in users’ transaction processes but promise a more secure and transparent ecosystem in the long run.

Binance has assured its users of a smooth transition and has encouraged them to consult its privacy notice for more information on data handling practices.

Similarly, according to a report in Dec, Binance.US plans to restore USD services by early this year.

Binance initially stopped because the company faced legal challenges last year, including allegations of securities law violations, the loss of money transmitter licenses in seven states, and a $50 million settlement over money laundering charges. These led to Changpeng Zhao’s resignation as CEO.

In response, Binance.US suspended USD transactions in mid-2023, transitioning to a crypto-only platform while urging users to convert USD to stablecoins like USDT. Additionally, Binance is also planning to rebrand Binance Labs.

Binance Lab, the venture capital arm spun off from Binance earlier this year, is set to rebrand in 2025 to reflect its independence and evolving vision.

As part of the new reform, it will now be led by former Binance founder Changpeng Zhao (CZ). The entity will expand its investment focus to include secondary markets and OTC deals.

CZ, permanently banned from Binance leadership due to regulatory issues, will concentrate on investing in and directly engaging with projects.

In 2024, Binance Labs invested in 46 projects in diverse sectors, such as DeFi, AI, Bitcoin, and gaming.

These investments contributed to the growth of the BNB Chain ecosystem and advancing fields like decentralized science (DeSci) and ZK technologies.

The post Binance Poland to Adjust Deposit and Withdrawal Procedures for EU Compliance appeared first on Cryptonews.

20% of Gen Z (11-27 years old) and Alpha (10 years old and younger) respondents expressed openness to receiving their pensions in cryptocurrencies, a stark contrast to the traditional pension models favored by older generations.

This finding suggests a growing interest in exploring alternative retirement savings options among younger people, reflecting their familiarity and comfort with digital assets and a desire for potentially higher returns, according to Bitget.

Young People Distrust Traditional Pensions

Bitget surveyed nearly 17,000 Gen Z and Alpha individuals.

A significant 78% of these younger respondents expressed more confidence in alternative methods of retirement savings compared to traditional pension funds. These alternatives include cryptocurrencies, real estate, and private pension plans.

This shift can be attributed to several factors, including a perceived lack of transparency within traditional pension systems. Almost 73% of respondents admitted to not understanding where or how their pension funds are actually invested, fueling a sense of uncertainty and distrust.

“This is a wake-up call for the financial industry,” said Gracy Chen, CEO of Bitget, adding:

“Younger generations are no longer content with rigid, traditional pension systems. They are seeking innovative approaches that offer more control, flexibility, and transparency.”

Young People Lack Pension Knowledge

Furthermore, the study highlighted a significant knowledge gap regarding pension systems in general.

Over 20% of respondents lacked even a basic understanding of pensions, suggesting a critical need for improved financial education among younger generations. This lack of awareness hinders meaningful engagement with retirement planning and reinforces the appeal of alternative, more easily understood options like cryptocurrencies, according to the report.

“Younger generations are changing the way we think about money,” added Chen. “The rise of crypto pensions is not a passing trend – it is part of a larger financial revolution. The industry must act to remain relevant.”

The survey results also show that almost 87% of younger respondents are considering using cryptocurrencies as a savings or investment tool to achieve long-term goals. Among them, around 41% expressed “strong interest,” saying that they are actively exploring cryptocurrency options for future investments.

A “Hybrid Approach” Needed

While the potential of cryptocurrencies in retirement planning is significant, the study also acknowledges the challenges.

Volatility remains a significant concern for many, with the cryptocurrency market experiencing substantial price fluctuations.

Additionally, the regulatory landscape surrounding cryptocurrencies is still evolving, creating uncertainty for both investors and regulators.

Despite these challenges, the study shows the growing influence of cryptocurrencies on the financial future of younger generations.

As Gen Z and Alpha enter the workforce and accumulate wealth, their demand for innovative and transparent financial solutions will continue to reshape the industry. The future of retirement may involve a “hybrid approach,” the report concludes, combining elements of traditional pension systems with the innovative potential of blockchain technology.

State Pension Funds Embrace Crypto

In 2024, many local and federal governments started increasingly exploring integrating cryptocurrencies into their pension funds.

In the UK, Legal & General, a pension and investment firm with $1.5 trillion in assets under management, announced in October that it would consider offering tokenized funds.

In August 2024, South Korea’s National Pension Service (NPS), the third-largest public pension fund in the world, reported a $34 million exposure to MicroStrategy, a company renowned for its substantial Bitcoin investments.

In the United States, the State of Michigan Retirement System showed a proactive approach by holding approximately $18 million in shares of Bitcoin (BTC) and Ether (ETH) exchange-traded products (ETPs), as of Sep. 30.

The post Bitget Survey: 20% of Gen Z, Alpha Open to Crypto Pensions appeared first on Cryptonews.

Decentralized prediction markets use blockchain technology and cryptocurrency to facilitate betting on future events.

These platforms rely on smart contracts and oracles to automate transactions and integrate real-world data, making them more efficient, transparent, and trustworthy compared to centralized prediction markets.

Decentralized Prediction Markets in Scientific Research

While sporting events and election outcomes have driven the popularity of decentralized prediction markets, there is a growing interest in using these platforms to predict scientific research outcomes.

Benji Leibowitz, founder of decentralized science (DeSci) platform pump.science, told Cryptonews that pump.science uses crypto-funded research to generate open-source data and transform the future of longevity research.

“Pump.science allows scientists to fund their own projects with tokens, while making that data available to the public. Users can additionally participate in prediction markets on the research outcomes,” Leibowitz said.

Most recently, pump.science partnered with Solana-based prediction market Hedgehog Markets, allowing users to bet on the outcomes of longevity experiments involving mice.

Leibowitz described one such experiment, called “RODeo,” which features weekly live-streamed tests using the rotarod device, a widely used tool for assessing mouse endurance and motor function.

“Each week, mice are administered potentially life-extending compounds and undergo endurance testing,” Leibowitz said.

Participants can access video footage of the mice, preliminary data, and insights from previous experiments to make informed predictions on which mouse will stay on the rotarod the longest.

“Our goal is for anyone to be a scientist and make predictions about experimental outcomes. If research can be gamified and entertaining, and this entertainment value can help fund its progress. Here, citizen scientists can use predictive data, like the speed the mice move around their cage, to make an informed decision on which mouse will be the fastest.” Leibowitz said.

Kyle DiPeppe CEO of Hedgehog Markets, told Cryptonews that creators on pump.science also get a percentage of all the incorrect predictions placed on the platform.

The platform uses USD Coin (USDC) for transactions and runs on the Polygon blockchain to take advantage of its scalability and lower transaction fees.

“Users put money on which drugs or placebo will work the best, but a percentage of the incorrect predictions goes back to the creators. This incentivizes scientists to create these markets to help fund their own research,” DiPeppe explained.

Broadening Participation in Scientific Research Through Prediction Markets

DeSci platform Stadium Science is taking a similar approach by encouraging broader participation in scientific research.

Michael Fischer, founder of Stadium Science, told Cryptonews that the platform essentially lets anyone be a scientist. “The core of what we do is create prediction markets around scientific topics,” Fischer said.

For example, Stadium Science hosts competitions to see which of its users are the best sleepers, who may have the most motile sperm and how intermittent fasting affects resting heart rate, or how vitamin C impacts sleep quality.

Fischer believes that users competing with each other will enable people to strive to be their best selves, discover what works for them, and learn from others.

“There is an intermittent fasting challenge where participants follow intermittent fasting protocols to observe changes in their resting heart rate. This helps in understanding the effects of fasting on cardiovascular health,” Fischer explained.

The Role of Prediction Markets in Advancing Research

According to Fischer, the challenges hosted by Stadium Science generate unique datasets that are invaluable for scientific research.

“Prediction markets bring together a broader range of contributors,” he said. “Science thrives on interdisciplinary collaboration. Fringe knowledge areas can often lead to breakthroughs. With more people involved, science can accelerate.”

Echoing this, DiPeppe noted that having users predict which drugs are most effective on platforms like pump.science should enable more accurate data sets.

Additionally, data is streamed in real-time to Stadium Science, which may help reduce data fabrication seen in traditional science. Since the platform is fully decentralized, data generated belongs to the participants.

Challenges Hindering Adoption

Despite the benefits, there are challenges associated with prediction markets and DeSci platforms.

Fischer pointed out that proving the accuracy and utility of the data remains a major hurdle. Limited on-chain data storage capacity and the high costs of storing large datasets also pose challenges.

Additionally, legal and compliance issues must be addressed for these platforms to gain widespread adoption.

For example, privacy concerns such as the right to erase data conflict with blockchain’s immutable design.

“We believe DeSci will start with simple ‘toy’ experiments, allowing people to see their benefits and limitations firsthand,” Fischer said. “As trust and understanding grow, more complex trials will be conducted, eventually making DeSci the standard approach in scientific research.”

The post Decentralized Prediction Markets Aim to Advance Science appeared first on Cryptonews.

But what if I were to tell you that the very pursuit of decentralization for decentralization’s sake is in itself a fast track to obsolescence? That it’s possible to enjoy the many unique properties of web3 without sweating over the occasional dirty dalliance with centralized infra?

It may sound radical. Heretical even. But there’s a compelling case for saying that the industry’s obsession with degrees of decentralization isn’t just unhealthy – it’s unworkable. As a case in point, consider the DePIN sector, where the intersection of legacy systems and Web3 of centralized and decentralized infra is most starkly illustrated. It turns out that most projects fail the purity test. But – spoiler alert – it also transpires that this does little to impair DePIN’s value proposition. Here’s why.

How Decentralized Is DePIN?

There’s a lot of buzz surrounding Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks, or DePINs, which bridge Web3 ideals with real-world utilities. Yet for all the promise DePIN brings—and it’s now a multi-billion dollar sector populated by hundreds of projects—it’s questionable just how “De” it truly is. Despite championing a decentralized ethos, the vast majority of these projects plug into legacy data centers, corporate-owned servers, or existing telecommunications grids.

The critics are right to question the extent to which most of these projects are fully decentralized. But they’re wrong to take potshots purely on account of this. Because intersection with centralized systems is a feature, not a bug. It’s literally the whole point of DePIN: bridging the old with the new to create a hybrid system that leverages the advantages of both worlds.

No Black and White, Just Gray

Life would be simple if we could envisage everything in binary terms. Black. White. Up. Down. But it’s rarely that clear-cut, particularly when it comes to decentralization which exists on a spectrum. Take crypto-powered DePINs that still run critical workloads on AWS. Or look at mesh networks that sync data across nodes but rely on telecom giants for bandwidth.

These examples remind us that in the real world, “decentralized” often involves compromise. Just as a chef may grow fresh ingredients but still keep a bag of peas in the freezer, a DePIN operator might run decentralized protocols while using established hosting or connectivity providers for convenience. There’s nothing wrong with doing so – provided you’re honest about it. If your project needs centralized infra to operate optimally, acknowledge it. Centralization is forgivable; hypocrisy is not.

What’s the Point of DePIN?

So, if DePIN isn’t particularly decentralized in many cases, what’s the point of the industry? Isn’t it all just smoke and mirrors, then, sleight-of-hand masquerading as cutting-edge technology? Not so. To assume that DePIN was designed to topple centralized infrastructure is to miss the point. DePIN isn’t a cloud killer: it’s an infra enhancer. By introducing token-based incentives, robust cryptographic security, and communities that collectively govern, the DePIN model can help traditional networks flourish.

We’ve seen this happen before, not least with the internet itself, which started out as a smattering of government-funded networks and research labs. Over time, private entities built on top of that “centralized” backbone, weaving in commercial components and protocols to create the vibrant digital landscape we know today. The internet didn’t demolish legacy systems; it improved and integrated them before eventually revolutionizing how we transact and interact. Similarly, DePIN is designed to build on and improve established infrastructure, whether that’s telecom towers, data centers, or server architectures.

Building infrastructure purely from scratch isn’t just inefficient: it’s often impossible. The key isn’t whether a DePIN uses centralized components but how it transforms them to be more secure, scalable, and community-driven.

What DePIN Does Better

DePIN is great. But it’s not the “new paradigm” its more vociferous proponents would make it out to be. It’s an upgrade, not a rebuild. And it’s already enhancing the quality of service – and quality of life – for digital citizens worldwide.

Decentralized wireless networks are paying people for hosting small cell stations in their homes, expanding coverage while redistributing revenue from telecom services. Decentralized storage networks are empowering participants to rent out unused hard drive space. And guess what? None of these individuals is losing sleep over what’s under the hood. They’re too busy reaping the benefits from the enhancements that DePIN has fostered.

Know Your History

History is full of solutions that used existing systems as springboards. Think about hybrid cars that took traditional gasoline engines and added electric motors for improved efficiency and lower emissions, instead of discarding every piece of tech; the air-con, lights, transmission, and sensors were already working just fine. Cloud computing did the same with on-premises data centers; Amazon, Microsoft, and Google simply repackaged and refined them into more efficient, globally accessible services.

It’s the same story with DePIN today, where some projects adopt a hybrid approach by combining decentralized storage solutions with conventional cloud providers to achieve redundancy and speed. This approach can provide enterprise customers with dependable fallback options while facilitating a smoother transition into Web3 for those exploring the benefits of decentralized infrastructure.

Learn to Coexist

Decentralized infrastructure doesn’t have to rewrite the entire script in a single act. Instead, DePIN can function as a series of specialized upgrades bolted onto the legacy core, creating networks that are more resilient, transparent, and accessible. As telecom titans, data center operators, and Web3 startups continue to collaborate, a network of networks will emerge: part old, part new, each piece dependent upon the others.

That’s where DePIN’s true promise lies: it doesn’t need to obliterate the infrastructure we have today. It only needs to improve it, layer by layer, step by step. And if history is any guide, this blend of evolution and revolution is precisely how transformative technology takes root. The path to a more democratic, secure, and scalable infrastructure will be built on collaboration, not destruction. Decentralization purists be damned.

The post DePIN Doesn’t Have to Be Fully Decentralized to Work appeared first on Cryptonews.

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Crypto market is green today

The cryptocurrency market continues its green streak.

In the last day, global cryptocurrency market capitalization went up 2.4%, reaching $3.66 trillion.

At the time of writing, the daily crypto trading volume is $194 billion.

Of the top 100 coins per marker cap, only four are down, with the highest fall being 4.2%.

Furthermore, all top 10 coins per market cap appreciated today.

For the second day in a row, the best performer is XRP (XRP). Its price increased by 17.3% to $3.34. Solana (SOL) followed, with a 9.3% increase to $212.21.

At the same time, Bitcoin (BTC) is unchanged over the past 24 hours, trading at $98,985, while Ethereum (ETH) increased 1.4% to $3,335.

El Dorado Integrates Safe Infrastructure for Self-Custodial Wallet

Safe, a smart contract wallet infrastructure provider, announced a strategic partnership with El Dorado, Latin America’s stablecoin-powered SuperApp.

The press shared with Cryptonews stated that this collaboration provides El Dorado’s new self-custodial wallet with Safe’s smart contracts’ enhanced security, enabling seamless stablecoin transactions across the region.

The new El Dorado self-custodial wallet users can transact and save in stablecoins, maintaining full control over their assets, the team said.

To date, El Dorado’s platform has facilitated over 3 million peer-to-peer USDT transactions for more than 400,000 Latin Americans across Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Panama, Peru, and Venezuela.

Furthermore, it’s focused on interoperability across more than 70 of Latin America’s top finance apps.

Safe co-founder Richard Meissner said that this team provides robust, secure, and user-centric infrastructure for digital asset management.

“Partnering with El Dorado allows us to support millions of Latin Americans as they embrace stablecoins and decentralized finance with confidence,” he said.

Juan Andreu, CTO and co-founder of El Dorado, added that “El Dorado’s mission has always been to make stablecoins accessible, usable, and secure for Latin Americans.”

Now, through this collaboration, users can “access a new self-custodial wallet that prioritizes security and usability,” he stated.

Changelly Partners with Revolut to Offer Better Rates for Crypto Purchases in the EEA

Global instant exchange platform Changelly partnered with major financial app Revolut to enable users to make fast and secure crypto purchases at competitive rates through Revolut Ramp in the EEA.

Notably, the integration expands the list of fiat providers in Changelly’s aggregator, the announcement shared with Cryptonews said. This way, users have more choices when buying crypto.

Users can now buy over 30 cryptocurrencies with over 20 fiat currencies, with debit and credit cards and Revolut Pay.

The partnership’s goal is to improve fiat on-ramp rates and make crypto purchases more accessible and cost-effective.

Therefore, the teams said, Revolut Ramp offers “market-leading rates” and a simple way to buy crypto with few clicks across Changelly’s platform and mobile app.

“This collaboration especially benefits eligible Revolut customers who can complete transactions without additional verification,” said the announcement.

Michael Hey, Product Owner of Revolut Ramp, stated that the partnership allows the company’s 50 million customers to easily buy crypto directly into any wallet they own via Changelly.

“We’ve seen Revolut Ramp grow really fast this year as users enjoy the ease of buying crypto without additional KYC and paying directly from their Revolut account at competitive rates and with high success rates,” he said. “We’re excited to give access to this product to more and more users through partnerships like this.”

Zifa Mae, Head of Product at Changelly, argued that, through the integration, the platform has streamlined the crypto purchase process for both Revolut and Changelly users, reduced transaction times, and provided “impressive limits.”

“This efficiency, coupled with our competitive rates, not only strengthens our position in the crypto market but also enhances our ability to serve a broader user base,” Mae concluded.

Quai Network Launches Mainnet and Dual-Token System

Layer 1 blockchain Quai Network announces its Mainnet launch on 29 January 29 and Token Generation Event (TGE) on 3 February.

According to the press release shared with Cryptonews, this launch will introduce a dual-token system: QUAI, a utility token for smart contracts and decentralized applications, and QI, an energy-backed stablecoin designed as a decentralized alternative to traditional financial systems.

These tokens serve distinct roles within the network. QUAI underpins Quai Network’s account-based ledger and enables use cases such as dapps, value transfers, and programmable financial systems.

It also integrates with the EVM ecosystem, meaning that developers can deploy DeFi solutions, NFT platforms, and other blockchain applications.

QI provides “a reliable monetary standard anchored to real-world energy costs,” thus supporting decentralized financial applications, seamless value exchange, and energy-efficient mining practices.

“Together, $QUAI and $QI form the backbone of Quai Network’s dual-token system, driving scalability, innovation, and decentralization while enabling new use cases across the blockchain ecosystem,” the team said.

As part of the Mainnet launch, Quai Network will distribute QUAI to key stakeholders, including testnet participants, ecosystem developers, and early supporters.

Meanwhile, to reach the mainnet stage, the network has passed through multiple testnet stages, starting with the Stone Age in 2021 and ending with the current Golden Age.

The Golden Age testnet data show “a significant user engagement” with over 2,000 nodes, 42,000 GPUs, and 60,000 wallets participating.

“Throughout this evolution, Quai has delivered key innovations such as Proof-of-Entropy-Minima (PoEM) consensus, cross-chain transactions, and unparalleled scalability,” the team said.

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The post What’s Happening in Crypto Today? Daily Crypto News Digest appeared first on Cryptonews.

The notion of an economic superpower investing in this cryptocurrency was once a pipe dream, but gained momentum when Donald Trump made it one of his campaign pledges… and won the election.

But what exactly would all of this involve? How could it affect Bitcoin’s price? And will this spark an international race that’ll see other countries clamor to build their own stockpiles?

What is a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve?

Supporters argue this is a 21st-century version of stockpiles created for other commodities with limited supplies.

Back in the 1970s, the U.S. created a Strategic Petroleum Reserve — and began storing vast quantities of crude oil in underground caverns, fearful of economic ramifications should supplies run low.

This massive network has the potential to hold up to 713.5 million barrels of crude oil, with the latest figures suggesting it’s at about 50% capacity. The president can allow this oil to be sold if there’s supply disruption — and allow producers to store reserves securely in times of low demand.

The rationale for creating a strategic Bitcoin reserve is that it could offer “a hedge against economic uncertainty and monetary instability.” Stubborn inflation and the threat of de-dollarization have fueled concerns about the future of the greenback.

It’s worth noting that the U.S. has maintained more than 8,000 tonnes of gold reserves for decades — again as a shield against market volatility — and Bitcoiners have long argued this digital asset is a form of “digital gold.”

What Would a Bitcoin Strategic Reserve Look Like?

That’s a good question, and it’s pretty unclear at this point.

The U.S. government currently owns about 200,000 BTC seized from criminals — but rather than being held as an investment, it’s been regularly auctioned off, seeing Uncle Sam miss out on billions in profits.

Trump has suggested that this could be used as the starting point for creating his strategic Bitcoin reserve, but legal questions remain — especially when it comes to moving it out of the Justice Department.

The 47th president’s motivation appears to center on gaining a first-mover advantage over China, and the countries embracing digital assets.

Some Republican lawmakers want this policy to go even further, especially Wyoming’s pro-crypto Senator Cynthia Lummis, who was an early investor in Bitcoin.

Last summer, she unveiled the BITCOIN Act, which calls on the U.S. to acquire a jaw-dropping 1 million BTC over the next five years. That’s about 5% of this cryptocurrency’s total supply of 21 million. To put that figure into context, this would attract a price tag of $100 billion, assuming a single coin was worth $100,000.

This would come with strict rules that the Bitcoin must be held for 20 years, and can only be sold off to pay down federal debt.

Trump hasn’t indicated whether he’s willing to go that far, but it’s interesting to note that Lummis has been tipped to become the first-ever chair of a Senate subcommittee focused on crypto.

How Would It Affect Bitcoin’s Price?

As you’d expect, Bitcoiners are salivating over the impact that such a policy would have on BTC’s value — especially considering the insatiable interest among institutions now that ETFs have been available for a year. Even the prospect of a reserve following Trump’s landslide last November helped this cryptocurrency’s price surge into six-figure territory for the first time.

JAN3 CEO Samson Mow, who has been intimately involved with El Salvador’s Bitcoin efforts, recently told Cryptonews that he believes “significant price appreciation into the $1 million range” lies ahead.

“Many nation-states are actively deepening their investments in Bitcoin, not only as a strategic reserve but also as a tool for enhancing sovereignty and energy production,” he said.

There’s little doubt that the creation of the stockpile would be one of the most bullish developments in Bitcoin’s history, and lead to immense buying pressure.

But some experts have questioned whether or not Bitcoin would be enough to solve America’s financial woes on its own — especially considering that U.S. national debt now stands at $35.5 trillion.

Is it Achievable… or a Good Idea?

With wars waging across two continents, economic challenges, a migration crisis and a divided nation, Trump has no shortage of pressing issues to deal with as his second term gets underway.

It’s difficult to know how a strategic Bitcoin reserve fits into this list of priorities — despite the new president’s enthusiasm on the campaign trail.

And in the worst-case scenario, it’s possible Trump won’t deliver on any of his pro-crypto promises. He won’t be able to run for re-election again, so there’s technically little stopping him from pocketing donations from the industry and reneging on these pledges.

Here’s the thing: even if Trump wants to get this reserve up and running, he’ll face challenges of his own. BitMEX co-founder Arthur Hayes recently warned the president “has at best one year” to enact his most ambitious policy changes — and the razor-thin majority that the Republicans currently enjoy in Congress may evaporate by the end of 2026. Those midterms will also slow down business on The Hill.

NYDIG’s global head of research Greg Cipolaro expressed “caution on expecting immediate changes” in a recent note, adding:

“The U.S. Bitcoin strategic reserve is a highly topical item, but how it comes to be (law vs executive order) and its implementation (acquisition vs using existing seized coins) matter greatly as a catalyst.”

And given Bitcoin’s creation lies in an inherent distrust of governments and financial institutions, is Uncle Sam becoming one of the world’s biggest holders really what Satoshi Nakamoto envisioned?

Will Other Countries Follow Suit?

The mere chatter of the U.S. starting to explore a strategic Bitcoin reserve has been enough to get rival economies looking into this policy.

Canadian opposition leader Pierre Poilievre has supported BTC for years — and could also pursue establishing a stockpile if he wins an election that must take place this year.

Lawmakers from Germany to Hong Kong are also calling for their governments to examine this possibility.

El Salvador technically has a strategic reserve too, with the country acquiring 1 BTC a day and making hundreds of millions of dollars in paper profits.

As former Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao told the Bitcoin Middle East and North Africa conference:

“It’s very smart for the U.S. to be doing this — and this also has a knock-on effect to other countries in the world. If the U.S. is doing this, then every other country will have to do this.”

The post Strategic Bitcoin Reserves: Everything You Need to Know appeared first on Cryptonews.

While the medical establishment insisted that cholera spread through ‘miasma’—bad air—Snow suspected otherwise. He created a map marking each cholera death in London’s Soho district, which revealed that all of the deaths clustered around a single water pump on Broad Street.

What made Snow’s approach exceptional was not just his conclusion – that Cholera was a waterborne disease – but his methodology. Instead of relying on the medical establishment’s centralized wisdom, Snow gathered data directly from the community, creating what we might now call crowdsourced research. By doing so, he demonstrated that sometimes the most powerful solutions come from putting data and control back in the community.

DeSci – or decentralized science – adheres to the same principles.

Much like Snow’s radical departure from accepted medical wisdom, DeSci represents a fundamental reimagining of how we conduct, fund, and share medical research. It’s a movement that combines blockchain technology, artificial intelligence, and community governance to develop a healthcare system where patients own their data, communities direct research priorities and breakthroughs can emerge from anywhere.

Think about that for a moment.

Your smartphone alone generates around two gigabytes of health-related data daily – movement patterns, sleep cycles, heart rate variations. Your voice patterns contain subtle biomarkers that could predict neurological conditions years before traditional symptoms appear.

But this potentially life-saving information remains shut up in institutional silos, inaccessible to researchers who could use it to identify the next cholera pump, the next breakthrough in early disease detection.

This is the healthcare paradox: in an age where we generate more health data than ever before, we’re simultaneously more restricted in our ability to use it effectively.

We’re data-rich, yet insight-poor.

Consider the current clinical trial process. Recruiting enough participants can take years, often drawing from limited geographical areas, resulting in findings that poorly represent diverse populations. Meanwhile, millions generate relevant health data daily that could accelerate these trials exponentially – if only researchers could access it.

The system is broken. But it doesn’t have to be this way.

The solution lies in converging three transformative technologies: blockchain, artificial intelligence, and decentralized governance.

Blockchain provides the foundation for a new kind of medical data infrastructure. It enables sovereign data ownership, where individuals retain complete control over their personal health information whilst still contributing to the greater good of medical research. Every data point can be tracked, every contribution valued, and every participant fairly compensated for their role in advancing medical science.

Artificial intelligence serves as the analytical engine of this new system. Modern AI algorithms can process vast amounts of anonymized health data to identify patterns that would be impossible to spot through traditional research methods. They can analyze voice patterns to detect subtle changes indicating neurological conditions, process movement data to predict mobility issues, and cross-reference millions of health records to identify previously unknown drug interactions.

But the real innovation comes from combining these two technologies with decentralised governance. And this is where DeSci truly shines. Instead of research priorities being opaquely decided by pharmaceutical companies or academic institutions, communities of patients, researchers and healthcare providers can collectively prioritize which projects deserve funding and attention. This democratization of science ensures that rare diseases and understudied conditions receive the attention they deserve, regardless of their commercial potential.

The implications are profound.

Your health data, often sold without your knowledge in today’s market for thousands of dollars (and even more as device sensors continue to proliferate), becomes a resource you control. Researchers gain access to vast pools of real-world data, accelerating the pace of discovery.

And the transformation is already underway.

Early adopters report recruitment rates three times faster than traditional clinical trials. AI analysis of decentralized health datasets reveals patterns impossible to spot in isolated systems. Communities of patients and researchers are collectively directing resources toward the health challenges that matter most to them rather than being limited by traditional funding models.

But obstacles remain.

The medical establishment, like the miasma theorists of Snow’s day, resists change. Privacy concerns (though addressable through blockchain technology) trigger institutional anxiety. Questions persist about how to validate and verify decentralized data.

Perhaps what’s most striking about this moment in medical history is how closely it mirrors Snow’s time. Just as the medical establishment of 1854 couldn’t imagine abandoning their deeply held beliefs about miasma, today’s institutions struggle to envision a world where breakthrough insights might come from analyzing millions of smartphone data points rather than controlled laboratory experiments.

But the reality is that the tools for this transformation are already here.

The technology exists.

The communities are forming.

Just as Snow’s simple map challenged the medical establishment’s theories about disease transmission, DeSci challenges our beliefs about who can contribute to medical breakthroughs and how they happen.

Now, all that remains is for us to embrace this new paradigm and its potential to transform health.

The people are in control with DeSci.

Disclaimer: The opinions in this article are the writer’s own and do not necessarily represent the views of Cryptonews.com. This article is meant to provide a broad perspective on its topic and should not be taken as professional advice.

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